10 May 2017

Journalists self-censor after officials interfere in newsrooms

THE Media Council of Papua New Guinea has been alerted to incidents of government officials calling newsrooms to interfere in independent editorial processes.

This has compelled journalists and news editors to self-censor news and consequently deny Papua New Guinean readers and viewers access to factual, balanced, impartial and objective reporting.

“Last year had its challenges for media industry personnel,” said Media Council president Alexander Rheeney (right), “and the first four months of this year appear to be no different, with news organisations alerting us to two incidents of interference by those in authority.

“All news organisations have a mandate to provide the public with factual, balanced and objective reporting,” Mr Rhenney said.

“These tenets of journalism are critical, especially in 2017 with Papua New Guineans preparing themselves to go to the polls next month to elect the country’s next crop of leaders.

“Papua New Guineans need a free and independent press to be informed and educated on the benefits of transparent and accountable leadership.”

The Media Council said challenges remain for Papua New Guinea’s media industry despite an improved ranking of 51 in the 2017 World Press Freedom Index, released by Reporters Without Borders.

It welcomed the improved ranking from 55 in the 2016 index, but alerted the PNG government to pleas for authorities to guarantee the safety of media personnel as they continue to face the threat of assault, harassment and intimidation in the course of gathering and reporting news.